In “Young Goodman Brown,” Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the tale of a man and his discovery of evil. But it is not only evil that Hawthorne is concerned with. He is also interested with the way evil affects his characters, Goodman Brown in particular. Through Hawthorne’s use of structural techniques such as tone, setting and symbolism, he portrays the nature of evil and the psychological effects it can have on man. He shows how meeting the devil and discovering the existence of evil brings Brown to view the world in a cynical way. Brown’s new realization is what haunts the rest of his days, and prevents him from living a happy life.
Throughout much of the story, Hawthorne creates a serious and somber tone. From the start, the audience begins to sense that Brown will go through relentless agony due to his meeting with the devil. Hawthorne’s diction in the opening paragraphs is a good indication of this. He uses words such as “melancholy”, “evil”, “dreary”, and “grave” to evoke a certain mood in the reader. Brown’s attitude and actions also portray this negative view. He ponders the hypocrisy of the Salem Village as well as that of the Puritans that live there. He examines the possibility that
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evil and corruption exist in a town that is supposedly characterized by piety and devout faith. Hawthorne’s use of imagery captures the appearance of the forest as well as lending a sense of foreboding towards the impending evil. It is this experience, which ultimately affects his outlook of the world. He is still somewhat in disbelief at seeing Goody Cloyse, the woman who taught him catechism. He comes to believe there is evil in all people and is unable to accept it. What makes it even more astonishing for Brown is that these sinners are people he recognizes to be pious and upstanding figures in the community. Brown’s acquaintance then says, “You will think better of this…and when you feel like moving again, here is my staff to help you along” (171). Brown is fearful of his mission even before leaving. These words penetrate Brown’s soul so as not to be forgotten. At this time, he refuses to go any farther. A more powerful force than his own willpower compels him to move onward.
As stated earlier, Hawthorne’s goal is to show the discovery of evil can lead one to utter desperation and cynicism. Brown experiences a state of confusion guiding his mind in two different directions. Despite this fact, Brown feels temptation.
Approximate Word count =
1158
Approximate Pages =
5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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